Fairfield Co. Awarded $83,100 to Fight Drug Trafficking

May 5, 2025
By Eve Copeland

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that Fairfield County will receive $83,100 as part of a statewide initiative to disrupt the drug trade and promote substance use awareness, prevention, and recovery. The funding is part of more than $2.2 million in RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund grants being awarded to 34 local drug task forces across the state.

The grant will support the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, which serves Fairfield and surrounding counties by targeting high-level drug traffickers and dismantling large-scale drug networks. Funding will assist officers in interrupting the flow of drugs and money from international cartels and will also support local prevention and recovery programs.

“This grant program helps local law enforcement stop drug traffickers and prevent drug dependence using a two-pronged approach,” said Governor DeWine. “Not only do they work to stem the flow of drugs, but they’re also helping citizens with prevention and recovery support.”

The RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund is part of Governor DeWine’s broader RecoveryOhio initiative, which is designed to increase substance use and mental health awareness, implement prevention education in schools, connect individuals to treatment, and promote recovery. Governor DeWine worked with the Ohio General Assembly to secure funding for the program in the state’s operating budget. The grants are administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services.

Commander Scott Duff of the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit said the funding will make a significant impact on the unit’s operations.

 

The Major Crimes Unit is located in Fairfield County and operates as a multi-jurisdictional task force. Its members include the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, Logan Police Department, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio University Police Department.

“We also have a robust outreach program called Project FORT, and the main focus of Project FORT is to try to connect people to treatment and recovery options who suffer from substance use disorders,” Duff said. “The Task Force is 100% grant funded.”

For more information about the RecoveryOhio initiative and a full list of grant recipients, visit governor.ohio.gov.